The University of Georgia is accepting applications for their 1995 Summer
Workshop in Microbial Physiology (SWMP '95).
SWMP '95 is an intensive 4-week laboratory course, sponsored by
the NSF Research Training Group in Microbial Diversity-an Organismal
Approach, which will provide practical hands-on experience in the basic
techniques for: 1) study of microbial metabolic processes; 2) genetic
manipulation of prokaryotes; and 3) product recovery from large scale
cultures of microorganisms.
A case method approach will be used, and two diverse
microorganisms (Methanococci and Pseudomonas solanaceareum)
will serve as model systems. All participants will work with both of these
model organisms. Additionally, visiting experts will present both didactic
lectures and state-of-the-art research seminars on the target organisms
and their relatives (details below).
SWMP '95 is designed for advanced graduate students and
working scientists from industry, government, and academia and will
include optional (but strongly encouraged) poster presentations by
participants.
Laboratory exercises will take place in the Department of
Microbiology's modern teaching facilities which are well equipped
with the latest instrumentation for cell culture, protein purification, and
molecular analyses of microorganisms.
The goal of the workshop is to provide participants with
information and skills which they can generalize to the study of other
microbes of specific interest to them in their own work.
In addition to the scientific program, there will be a lively social
and recreational program including lakeside barbecues, a canoe trip,
and a banquet.
Accommodations will be in air-conditioned, handicapped-accessible,
phone and cable-equipped University dormitory suites with free access to
swimming and the use of the UniversityUs other extensive athletic,
intellectual, and recreational facilities.
*******Model Microbial Systems and Faculty for SWMP '95*******
1. The Methanococci are strictly anaerobic methane-producing
archaebacteria which grow autotrophically on H2 and CO2. They grow
rapidly, have simple nutritional requirements and are easy to lyse.
Among the methanogens, they have the best developed genetic system
and grow well on plates and in fermenters.
Lab work on this organism will include anaerobic culture and
large scale fermentation and harvesting, isotopic tracers in metabolic
studies, cell fractionation, PCR cloning and heterologous expression,
purification of O2-sensitive coenzymes, and assay of O2-sensitive
coenzymes.
Guest lectures will be given by Barny Whitman (Lead instructor
for this segment, University of Georgia), Ken Jarrell (Queen's University),
Albrecht Klein (Phillips University) and Mary Roberts (Boston University).
2. Pseudomonas solanaceareum, a plant pathogenic member
of the rRNA homology group II pseudomonads (Burkholderia species),
is a major model system for the study of pathogen-plant interactions
that lead to disease and resistance.
Lab work on this organism will include genetic approaches to
studying virulence, avirulence, and pathogenicity genes, including
conjugation, transformation, DNA isolation, transposon and site-
directed mutagenesis, as well as interactions of parent and mutant
bacteria with host and non-host plants.
Guest lectures will be given by Tim Denny (Lead instructor for
this segment, University of Georgia), Carol Bender (Oklahoma State),
Steve Farrand (University of Illinois), and Joyce Loper (USDA,
Corvallis).
Application forms can be obtained from Robin Krause
(Voice: 706-542-2045; FAX: 706-542-2674;
e-mail: mibrtg at uga.cc.uga.edu). Participation is limited to
20 persons.
The DEADLINE for receipt of applications is April 1, 1995
and notification of acceptance will be made by April 15, 1995. The
workshop registration fee is $400 (U.S.) for academic and
governmental participants and $1000 for participants from industry.
Travel assistance and fee waivers are available in case of need
(details are on application forms).
For additional information contact Robin Krause
(Voice: 706-542-2045; FAX: 706-542-2674;
e-mail: mibrtg at uga.cc.uga.edu)